Mesothelioma and Mental Health of U.S. Veterans

Older U.S. veterans are at risk of cancers like mesothelioma from military asbestos exposure that occurred decades ago.

A mesothelioma diagnosis not only poses a threat to a veteran’s physical health, but can also cause or worsen mental health conditions like depression or suicidal ideation.

U.S. veterans newly diagnosed with cancer are at a 47% higher risk of suicide, according to a 2023 study published by Cancer Medicine.

Veterans with mesothelioma deserve our support for putting both their mental and physical health in danger for our country.

Learn why veterans are at risk and how the Mesothelioma Veterans Center works to support them. You can also request a Free Veterans Packet to see all the ways we can assist you or a loved one with mesothelioma.

How a Mesothelioma Diagnosis Impacts the Mental Health of U.S. Veterans

U.S. veterans already have a higher risk of mental health conditions, particularly ones who served in combat. Many of these issues typically develop during or shortly after a veteran’s service.

Veterans could also develop mesothelioma 10-50 years after serving. Existing mental health issues may worsen or new ones could appear after a cancer diagnosis.

Mental health conditions that may affect veterans include:

Anxiety disorders: An anxiety disorder can lead to panic attacks, nightmares, and other symptoms. Veterans may have problems living a normal civilian life as a result.
Bipolar disorder: Veterans with bipolar disorder may alternate between feelings of bliss and hopelessness. Over 130,000 veterans get treatment from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) each year for bipolar disorder.
Depression: Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S., and roughly 1 in 3 veterans have symptoms, like persistent feelings of sadness or a lack of energy.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): The VA notes that 7% of all veterans will experience PTSD due to traumatic events during their service. PTSD can affect veterans for decades.
Schizophrenia: Approximately 120,000 veterans receiving health care from the VA were diagnosed with schizophrenia in a recent study. Delusions, hallucinations, and other symptoms can interfere with veterans’ lives.
Suicidal ideation: Severe cases of anxiety or depression may lead to thoughts of suicide. More than 6,000 U.S. veterans take their lives every year.

A mesothelioma diagnosis takes a mental toll on anyone. However, it can be very distressing for U.S. veterans since they may have been exposed to asbestos — the only known cause of this cancer — during the military career they were so proud of.

Why U.S. Veterans Are at Risk of Mesothelioma and Mental Health Issues

Many U.S. veterans were exposed to the horrors of war, which can trigger mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. In fact, 41% of all veterans had potential mental health care needs in a recent VA study.

Older service members also risked asbestos exposure. Between the 1930s and early 1980s, all military branches used asbestos-containing products to keep bases, buildings, and ships durable and fireproof.

Did you know?

Private companies that made asbestos-containing products knew exposure could lead to deadly health problems but hid the truth to keep profits high.

Mesothelioma develops decades after exposure to asbestos and it’s incredibly rare, affecting about 1,000 U.S. veterans a year. As a result, a diagnosis can come with a lot of shock, confusion, and even anger.

One U.S. Navy Veteran’s Pearl Harbor Trauma and Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Frank Curre, a proud U.S. Navy veteran, dealt with the trauma of surviving the Battle of Pearl Harbor and a diagnosis of mesothelioma linked to service-related asbestos exposure.

Just months after joining the Navy, Frank bore witness to the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, which launched the U.S. into World War II. The horrors of that day remained with him for the rest of his life.

“I still have the nightmares, never got over the nightmares. What happened on that day is tattooed on your soul. There's no way I can forget that. I wish to God I could.”

— Frank Curre, U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma

Despite the trauma, Frank remained proud of his military service, sharing war stories with anyone who would listen.

Later in life, Frank developed mesothelioma. He bravely fought the cancer and lived longer than expected, passing away on the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

Support Options for Veterans With Mesothelioma and Mental Health Issues

If you or a veteran you love is struggling with their mental health on top of a mesothelioma diagnosis, explore the options below to get support.

File or Increase VA Benefits

U.S. veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma qualify for maximum VA benefits since the cancer is considered a 100% disability.

The VA awards $4,044.91 a month to married veterans with mesothelioma through disability benefits.

We can help you file for benefits or increase your VA disability rating to 100% so you can get the care you deserve.

Pursue Treatments

Veterans can get top mesothelioma treatments and support for mental health issues through the VA health care system. Veterans with mesothelioma often qualify for free or low-cost treatment from the VA.

The VA’s medical services rival those of private hospitals, and mesothelioma specialists are on staff at several facilities.

Call (877) 450-8973 for help finding civilian or military mesothelioma specialists who can help you.

Explore Financial Compensation Options

Veterans fighting mesothelioma may be able to pursue significant compensation through the legal system — without impacting their VA benefits.

Our legal partners may be able to help veterans file lawsuits and trust fund claims against companies that made and sold asbestos products.

Mesothelioma lawsuits award over $1 million on average, allowing veterans to afford expenses, get financial security for their families, and find peace of mind.

We’re Here to Help Veterans With Mesothelioma

U.S. veterans facing cancers like mesothelioma and mental health conditions shouldn’t fight these battles alone.

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center was founded to help veterans with mesothelioma navigate their next steps and get the resources they need to move forward.

Work with our team to:

File for or increase your mesothelioma VA benefits
Find top doctors and cancer centers near you
Get mental and emotional support after a diagnosis
Seek financial compensation to cover expenses

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center is the nation’s #1 resource for veterans fighting this cancer. Get our Free Veterans Packet to explore all the ways we can help you or a loved one.